We get mauling guards like crazy. That's why cam is so important. Like la'el, he is lite on his feet. But he is bigger and a better overall prospect IMO. La'el should do great in pass protection. Hopefully Alexander lost some of the bad weight. Bu he will still be a straight beast this year.

quote:Who is the last elite offensive linemen LSU signed? Faulk was a sure fire lock to go in at least the 2nd round. Don't fault LSU because of his mistake to declare early.

Collins was the number 1 or 2 tackle in his class, so that should be your measuring stick. If he busts, then you have something to gripe about in terms of development.

Offensive line and QB recruitment have been Les' biggest issues

Eggsactly. Historically La does not produce a lot of elite OL prospects. Now the last couple and next couple of classes seems to be bucking that trend. Saban's 2001 class was probably our best OL class ever (Whitworth, Livings, Niswanger, Wilkerson) but even his last couple of classes were spotty.

Miles early years, talent was thin, if you look at it, they had to convert a couple of DL to OL. That Barksdale was drafted as high as he was is a credit to the coaching.

That said, it is unfortunate that Faulk left and wasn't drafted, but nothing they can do about it. I do think we have been been recruiting better OL (and for that matter QB's) of late. Collins having a big year would be huge.

If it wasn't, why do you think Nick Saban recruits all the top players? Why has he sent way more guys to the NFL from LSU and Alabama than he did at Michigan State? Ever notice how many offensive coaches have left New England and Brady and suddenly didn't look so good?

It is foolish to assume that just because a team doesn't win as many games that all the coaches on the staff are incompetent at teaching things like basic fundamentals, schemes etc. Not to mention of course that the NFL coaches can also develop.

quote: If it wasn't, why do you think Nick Saban recruits all the top players? Why has he sent way more guys to the NFL from LSU and Alabama than he did at Michigan State? Ever notice how many offensive coaches have left New England and Brady and suddenly didn't look so good? It is foolish to assume that just because a team doesn't win as many games that all the coaches on the staff are incompetent at teaching things like basic fundamentals, schemes etc. Not to mention of course that the NFL coaches can also develop.